TV series
TV's Best Loved Barrister
Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer. It stars Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, an aging London barrister who defends any and all clients, and has been spun off into a series of short stories, novels, and radio programmes.
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Checked Jul 22, 2026
Rumpole of the Bailey is available to stream on Britbox and Britbox (Via Amazon Prime) in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Rumpole of the Bailey is a British television series created and written by the British writer and barrister John Mortimer. It stars Leo McKern as Horace Rumpole, an aging London barrister who defends any and all clients, and has been spun off into a series of short stories, novels, and radio programmes.
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Episode 1
Rumpole fights a claim for libel filed by a woman writer against a low newspaper. Claude Erskine-Brown moves in with Rumpole after being photographed at a night-club of ill repute, to the fury of Phyllida.
Written by John MortimerGuest stars Richard Murdoch, Jennifer Daniel, John Grillo, Charles Kay, Norman Rodway, Caroline Mortimer, Frank Mills, Maureen Darbyshire
Episode 2
Young Nigel Timson has moved on from the world of East End villainy and is now working in financial services in the City of London. Rumpole is called on to defend Nigel against charges of insider trading. Meanwhile, Henry, the clerk in Rumpole's chambers, is thinking of running off to Australia with Dianne, the typist, and he turns to Rumpole for advice.
Directed by Julian AmyesWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Robin Bailey, Richard Murdoch, Denys Graham, Elizabeth Hurley, Peter Cartwright, Douglas Hodge, Philip Bretherton, Joan Bakewell
Episode 3
Rumpole defends his clergyman nephew in an ecclesiastical court, against charges of adultery - of which the bishop takes a dim view. Rumpole's colleagues Ballard and Erskine-Brown appear for the prosecution.
Directed by Mike VardyWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Malcolm Sinclair, Martin Jarvis, Jill Brassington, Paul Ridley, Michael Aitkens, Bernadette Shortt, Malcolm Rogers, Felicity Goodeson
Episode 4
Rumpole defends Tony Timson on charges of attempted murder - with Tony's wife, April, claiming he tried to drown her - while sexist remarks by Mr Justice Guthrie Featherstone give the press a field day and, more importantly, upset the Lord Chancellor. 'She Who Must Be Obeyed' decides it's time for her to begin her own career in the legal profession.
Directed by Julian AmyesWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Richard Murdoch, Abigail McKern, Preston Lockwood, Peter Cartwright, Kate Buckley, Peter Bowles, Joanna Van Gyseghem, Doreen Ingleton
Episode 5
Rumpole defends Stanley Culp, a scrap dealer, on charges of selling arms to terrorists. The case comes before a newly appointed Recorder - Phyllida Erskine-Brown.
Directed by Roger BamfordWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Richard Murdoch, Denys Graham, Abigail McKern, Leslie Phillips, Jim Dunk, Maureen Darbyshire, Denis Lill, Patricia Hodge
Episode 6
Rumpole defends Lady Perdita Derwent, charged with the murder of her elderly husband. Meanwhile, Ms Liz Probert complains of anti-gay discrimination at number 3, Equity Court, and the portly Rumpole suffers from a strict diet imposed by She Who Must Be Obeyed.
Directed by Roger BamfordWritten by John MortimerGuest stars Robin Bailey, Richard Murdoch, Denys Graham, Abigail McKern, Jeillo Edwards, Robert James, Constance Chapman, Joanna Van Gyseghem
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Leo McKernHorace Rumpole
Robin BaileyMr. Justice Gerald Graves
Richard MurdochUncle Tom
Jonathan CoyHenry
Denys GrahamHoskins
Abigail McKernLiz Probert
Marion MathieHilda Rumpole
Peggy Thorpe-BatesHilda Rumpole
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